The Believers
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008
307
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2000s
2008
Adult
18+ years
The Believers by Zoë Heller is a character study exploring the lives of each member of the Litvinoff family, headed by controversial lawyer Joel and his revolutionary wife Audrey. When Joel suffers a stroke, the family confronts secrets, betrayals, and ideological contradictions, navigating their complex relationships and individual struggles amidst personal and political turmoil.
Melancholic
Unnerving
Contemplative
Emotional
6,226 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Zoë Heller's The Believers is lauded for its sharp, provocative examination of family dynamics and ideological conflicts. Critics praise Heller's adept character development and incisive wit but note that the novel's dark tone and unsympathetic characters may alienate some readers. The narrative's complexity and moral ambiguity provide substantial food for thought, although the unrelenting bleakness could deter those seeking a more uplifting read.
A reader who enjoys The Believers by Zoë Heller is often drawn to character-driven narratives exploring family dynamics and ideological conflicts. Fans of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections or Jeffrey Eugenides' Middlesex will likely appreciate Heller's incisive portrayal of a complex, secular Jewish family in New York.
6,226 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
307
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2000s
2008
Adult
18+ years
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